Parasailing in Labadee, Haiti

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Labadee is a privately owned tourist destination on the northern coast of Haiti. Its warm, tropical climate makes it a prime spot for outdoor activities ranging from lounging on the beach to scuba diving. Owned and operated by the cruise company Royal Caribbean, Labadee offers cruise guests a family friendly beach destination with a traditional Haitian town square, several beaches, a 500-foot zip line and parasailing excursions operated by the company.

Labadee Background

Local legends say that Christopher Columbus stopped in Labadee during his trip to the New World. The island is named for a rich Frenchman, Marquis de La’Badie, a French sailor who stopped at the island. Originally named Labadie, the resort was renamed by Royal Caribbean when it was acquired in the 1980s. In the late 1990s, Royal Caribbean added neighborhoods to the resort, including Dragon's Plaza, Labadee Town Square, Adrenaline Beach, Columbus Cove and Buccaneers' Bay. Parasailing excursions are just one of the adventure trips departing from Buccaneers' Bay. Additional options include wave jet tours, snorkeling and cultural tours.

What to Expect

Bring your waterproof camera to capture the bird's-eye view of Haiti’s northern coast. From your tandem seat you can soak in the panoramic views of your cruise ship, the Labadee coastline with its beaches and coral reefs, and the Massif du Nord Mountains while soaring 400 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Royal Caribbean runs the Labadee parasailing excursions and offers Shore and Land Excursions packages when you book your cruise. Plan to spend about one hour on your parasailing trip. The boat ride takes 45 minutes to an hour. Average parasailing times range from five to six minutes.

Rules and Regulations

Royal Caribbean requires that anyone booking a parasailing trip sign a waiver releasing the company from any liability in case of personal injury during the excursion. All parasailing excursions are flown in tandem; the weight of each pair cannot exceed 375 pounds. Royal Caribbean’s restrictions do not allow anyone younger than 12 to ride. Anyone between the age of 12 and 15 must ride with a guardian or parent. If you have a heart condition or any other serious medical conditions, check with your doctor before booking your parasailing excursion.

Cruises Offering Parasailing Excursions

Check directly with Royal Caribbean to confirm that your cruise stops in Labadee. Cruises that offer parasailing excursions include the Five Night Western Caribbean Cruise, 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise, and the Nine Night Bermuda and Caribbean Cruise.

Safety Tips

Always check the weather report on the day of your trip, if there are high winds, expect your parasailing trip will likely be canceled. The parasailing crew will give you safety instructions including the use of hand signals and what to do in case evacuation becomes necessary.

About the Author

Caryn Anderson combines extensive behind-the-scenes writing experience with her passion for all things food, fashion, garden and travel. Bitten by the travel bug at the age of 15 after a trip to Europe, Anderson fostered her love of style and fashion while living in New York City and earning her degree at New York University.

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